HARSH REACTION FROM THE MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE
The Ministry of National Defense has reacted strongly to the statements of Greek Defense Minister Dendias regarding the Turkish Cypriots and the Turkish Armed Forces. In a statement made by the Ministry, it was condemned that Dendias’ words were low-quality, full of lies and slander.
THE STATEMENT INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING:
- We strongly condemn the low-quality, false and slanderous statement of Greek Defense Minister Dendias, targeting the Turkish Cypriots and the heroic Turkish army.
- The heroic Turkish army, acting within the framework of its right of guarantor arising from international agreements, protected the Turkish Cypriot people from genocide between 1963 and 1974.
- With the intervention of the Turkish military, peace has been achieved in Cyprus since 1974, Greece’s oppressive policies have ended and the democratic process on the island has been supported.
- Today, as in the past, Mehmetçik represents the power that will ensure peace and tranquility in Cyprus.
- The efforts of the Greek Minister of Defense to undermine the positive relations between Turkey and Greece are condemned.
- Mr. Dendias’ attempts to sow discord between the Turkish and Greek peoples will not succeed.
HE TARGETED TURKEY
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, who paid an official visit to Southern Cyprus yesterday, used scandalous statements against Turkey. Dendias’ words are aimed at distorting Turkey’s historical role and are incompatible with reality.
Dendias’ statements are as follows:
“Today, fifty years have passed since July 15, 1974, the date of an ethnic coup that opened the doors to the infiltration point for the lurking occupier in Cyprus. I express my deepest respect and patriotic gratitude to the Cypriot (South) and Greek fighters for democracy and the unequal struggle against the occupation in 1974. They faced far superior military forces under the weight of the fratricidal criminal coup. We respectfully remember them and honor their contributions forever. “shameful celebration of the Turkish Cypriots and the illegal presence of the Occupying Turkish Army in Cyprus for half a century.”
